The Stroud Strategy: Texans Focus on Fortifying protection for…
The Houston Texans have had a few extra days to reflect on their shock Thursday night loss to the Jets, and while it’s far from panic stations at 6-3, it’s clear General Manager Nick Caserio might need to make a few moves ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline.
Not surprisingly, the Texans are looking to address their offensive line depth with star second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud suffering 30 sacks through eight games – the second-most in the league.
According to Dylan Delgatto, Houston has wasted no time looking to add further protection on Monday by working out former Cowboys and Bengals tackle, La’el Collins.
The seven-year pro has been out of the league for two seasons after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 16 against the Patriots in 2022.
Collins, now 31, appeared to have another opportunity in Dallas earlier in January before his contract expired. Further disappointment followed only a few months later in Buffalo when he signed a one-year contract but was promptly released during final roster cuts.
The Texans also worked out former Bears, Patriots, and Chiefs guard Jerome Carvin on Monday, a promising move with Carvin capable of playing both guard and center.
Houston ranked 19th in the number of dropbacks when they saw 5+ blitzers last year, but so far this season, that number has increased drastically to third in the league.
With tough matchups against the Lions and Cowboys pass rushes ahead over the next two weeks, the Texans need to come up with a quick answer to their protection woes in a hurry.
